First MySpace, Then Facebook, Now Harvard? (Edited to Add v.2)
You may recall several months back that MySpace kept removing a photo of a breastfeeding baby from a member’s page (because it violated their obscenity rules) and threatened to remove her from MySpace altogether if she continued re-posting said photo. (You can see one of the “obscene” photos here.)
Now Facebook is doing the same thing. Most people (sane ones) would agree that it’s absolutely ludicrous to deem breastfeeding an obscene act, right? Right.
So glad we’re all on the same page.
But the kicker, one that takes my breath away, is that Facebook hosts, with no compunction whatsoever, over 350 pro-anorexia groups. Yes. 350.
Blogger David Wescott makes an excellent point in his post on this issue:
Facebook has come down on both sides of a “free speech issue” here - once clamping down, once letting speech and organizing go - and in each case it’s come down in a way that arguably sets women back.
Apparently there have been some pretty monumental protests on Facebook over the “breastfeeding is obscene” issue. I’m not sure about the pro-anorexia groups. Either way, if you’re a breastfeeding mom or the parent of a child/children of either gender (boys get anorexia, too) these topics affect you.
I’m asking for all of you (You DON’T have to be a mom OR a parent OR a woman) to take action by writing a post on one or both of these topics. The links above reference more information on both topics. After you’ve written your post, let me know so I can link you here and over at the group blog Moms speak Up.
Awesome Women Speaking Up!
• Formula Fed & Flexible Parenting ~ Facebook and Breastfeeding
• The Wink ~ Hey Facebook, Suck it
• Cattails: Adventures of a Very Bad Cat ~ Breasts Are Obscene
• Pundit Mom ~ Breast Practices
• Resolving Timeline issues ~ I Burned My Breakfast This Morning
• Red Stapler ~ Unclear on That Whole Priorities Thing
• A Whole Lot of Nothing ~ Boob Juice
• VDog and Little man ~ Boycott Bill Maher
• A Mom, a Blog and the Life in Between ~ Dear Facebook and Bill Maher: You’re Idiots
• Suburban Oblivion ~ Bill Maher: Applebees Nurse In & Lactivism Are a Waste of Time…
• Queen of Shake Shake ~ Mysteries of the Universe Part 1
• Mothergoosemouse ~ It’s Not Just a Women’s Issue
• A Piece of My Mind ~ Lactivist
• Motherhood Uncensored ~ Petition Schmetition. Just Deactivate Your Account
• ValueWit ~ Raunchy Nippled Secret
• Motherhood Insanity ~ Warning: Breastfeeding Obscene. Use Caution Ahead
• Tiny Mantras ~ Bye Bye Bill Maher
• A Mommy story ~ OK Facebook, Let Me Get This Straight
• A Child is Born ~ Fuck Off Facebook and Bill Maher
• Bloomin’ Yaya ~ Boobies. Big Ones, Very, Very Big Ones
• The Fish Pond ~ Breastfeeding Brouha ~ No, It Isn’t Funny
• Silicon Valley Moms Blog ~ Lactivists Take On Facebook, Bill Maher…
• The Things We Do… ~ The Boobs Are Out
• The Mummy Chronicles ~ Sneakers Are For Your Feet, Not Your Head
• Suburban Oblivion ~ Bill Maher Makes This Lactivist Want to Breastfeed on His Front Porch…
• Our Freak Parade ~ I Always Had My Suspicions…
• Touching Dookie ~ Breastfeeding…the New Dirty Word
• Self-Made Mom ~ What I Would Blog About if I was Blogging
• House of H ~ When the Personal is Political
• Soul Gardening ~ Milk, It’s What’s for Dinner
• Sci-Fi Dad @ MommyBlogsToronto ~ What’s Really Offensive?
• Midwestern Mommy ~ An Open Letter to Facebook
(Thanks to David Wescott for bringing this stuff to my attention. I’ve been a bit out of the loop the past week or two with a gravely ill family member so I wasn’t aware of these latest slaps in the face to mothers and females worldwide)
Edited to Add: Alex Elliot just informed me that recently a Harvard med student was denied permission for nursing breaks during her exit exams.
Yes, a Harvard med student and mother of a 4 month old was denied adequate break time to pump during medical board exams. (I don’t about the rest of you but it would take me a good 40-45 minutes on a hospital-grade Medela single breast pump just to get 4-6 oz. of milk).
They (those in charge of the national board exams, not specifically Harvard) felt justified in this decision because “because breastfeeding accommodations are not protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act.”
SO WHAT? It’s still totally antithetical to the whole notion of protecting and improving human health which is a pretty important part of being a doctor, no?
You can read the NY Times article here but you’ll have to login or register for free access.
Edited to Add II: David Westcott of It’s Not a Lecture contacted Facebook about all this anti-breastfeeding and pro-ana crap. Want to know how they responded to his questions about their policies? Read it here but be prepared to get supremely irritated.
78 Responses
to “First MySpace, Then Facebook, Now Harvard? (Edited to Add v.2)”
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What about us womens who aren’t moms but are still pissed off? You want us to post too? Cause let me tell ya- if these yahoos think I’m feedin’ babies in the bathroom (when I finally get around to having them), they are outta their ever lovin’ minds.
Damn, Izzy, this shit is crazy! I wrote about this when it happened with MySpace (and posted a pic of myself breastfeeding in my MySpace photo album). So of course, I will most def do a post about this!!
Absolutely! I want to hear from everyone, regardless of parental status or gender.
Irony at its’ best. Thanks for posting this Izzy. This gets my goat.
I’ll post on this topic too. Thanks for bringing to my attention.
So silly.
I can’t even begin to understand how breastfeeding is obscene, but anorexia is acceptable.
So, people can talk about anorexia - but they can’t post pictures related to breastfeeding?
Someone is offended by just about anything these days - and “political correctness” is a disaster.
Once upon a time, folks did what they wanted, said what they wanted, and wrote what they wanted. If others didn’t like it, they didn’t listen or read.
It was simple.
That is just F*cked up. Breastfeeding is bad but pro-ana sites are ok? WTF is RIGHT!
Another great one, Iz. Can I call you Iz?
Here’s mine, pictures to boot.
You know what I found offensive on facebook? The anti-gay groups that are left alone because apparently they are just fine, thank you.
Wow Izzy - thanks so much for bringing this to the attention of everyone here and for your leadership on this. I think you’re making an important difference.
It’s completely messed up. Here’s my post:
http://
flexibleparenting.com/2007/09/facebook-and-breastfeeding.html
Here’s my link! I don’t even want to think about the day I have to try to explain all this to PunditGirl.
http://punditmom1.blogspot.com/2007/09/breast-practices.html
OMG, this stuff really gets my panties in a wad. I’ll let you know when my post is up.
Blessings! xoxo
That is ridiculous! Before I had The Boy, I was ho-hum about breastfeeding. I thought women should do it everywhere, but it did not really push my buttons, but since The Boy, I am definitely an activist! Breastfeed and do so often and everywhere! Shame on Facebook and MySpace!
The sad thing is some of the comments I’ve seen around the web (like on Youtube’s Bill Mahar video where he disses breastfeeding mothers) - mostly people who can’t spell saying stuff like u need to hide yor boobs when u feed ur kid or go n to the bathroom and feed them ya know bcuz its making me naoshus
Thanks for being an intelligent voice in resppnse.
I posted about this exact thing last week: http://awholelotofnothing.net/?p=42
Thanks for linking to me!
:)
I also posted about this last week:
http://amommystory.blogspot.com/2007/09/ok-facebook-let-me-get-this-st raight.html
I also wrote about this last week:
http://amommystory.blogspot.com/2007/09/ok-facebook-let-me-get-this-st raight.html
That just blows my mind, seriously. Isn’t it more obscene to see girls in teensy little outfits, parading around like whores?
Motherhood is beautiful, damn it.
Here’s your linky:
http://redstapler23.blogspot.com/2007/09/unclear-on-whole-priorities-t hing.html
Thanks for doing this, Izzy.
Oh, Izzy, I’m sorry about your ill family member.
And girl, you know how to rally the troops, you really do! That’s quite a talent.
I made a post on this too… mine is not elegant, nor is it exciting, but it is still there. http://www.blogger.com/publish-confirmation.g?blogID=91886925789392089 82&postID=745389970751961281×tamp=1190130710208&javascriptEnabled =true
Sorry. I accidentally pasted the wrong link. http://mariawj.blogspot.com/2007/09/lactivist.html
Thanks Izzy for bringing this to light for us. No doubt some breast ogling pervert had to start this mess. No one told him he was going to get to finish it though!
Okay, just saw the edited version of this post about Harvard. The school of medicine is now claiming that breastfeeding is a disabilty? Wow! Kind of torques it up a degree don’t you think?
I didn’t write it but I wish I had. This pretty much sums up the way I feel about it too. Thanks Mama Mojo for putting it so succinctly!
http://mamamojo.wordpress.com/2007/09/12/breastfeeding-in-public-warni ng-offensive-content/
Here’s my poke at the whole debate over nursing in public.
http://queenofshake-shake.blogspot.com/2007/09/mysteries-of-universe-p art-1.html
I had not heard about the Harvard Med School thing. No damn wonder peds are so ignorant about breastfeeding and give bad advice to nursing mothers!
If you haven’t already seen it, you need to visit Sara at Suburban Oblivion… her response to Bill Maher. Excellent post!
http://www.suburbanoblivion.com/2007/09/14/bill-maher-applebees-nurse- in-and-lactivism-are-a-waste-of-time-breastfeed-in-private/
I’ll try and get something up this week too and link back
ACK! Adding this to my list of links!
Rock on Izzy. this is BS.
See me at:
Julie
Using My Words
My half-post is up.
JUST DEACTIVATE YOUR FACEBOOK ACCOUNT. Screw the petition. People closing their accounts (and you can give them a reason) will make it very clear.
I’d feed Bill some ugly juice, but hell, he already od’d on it…
Iz, not sure if you saw mine yet:
http://mothergoosemouse.com/2007/09/18/its-not-just-a-womens-issue/
Just to clarify, Harvard is not administering the exam…its a national board, so its even worse because it is a nation wide policy.
That’s so dumb. They’re so dumb. Thanks for the heads up.
Boy is Bossy glad she never went to Medical School.
Mine’s up! Add me to the Momsspeakup site! While I never breastfed in public it was partially due to the fact that I had to stop early because my work place could not find a suitable place for me to pump when I returned to work. It made the whole thing of returning to work and before that so stressful and it shouldn’t have been.
I thought that she was allowed breaks, but she wanted longer ones (45 min as opposed to 30, I thought?)
I have no idea how long it takes to pump, but I could nurse my kid in much less than 30 min on a bad day.
Here’s mine: http://sahm2boys.blogspot.com/2007/09/boobs-are-out.html
I couldn’t agree more. I linked to you today on my post.
Here is my post! Thanks so much for such a great summary. Now off to take my two breastfeed twins to preschool.
http://svmomblog.typepad.com/silicon_valley_moms_blog/2007/09/lactivis ts-take.html
My post just went up. This is all nuts.
Thanks for the link. We definitely need to keep this message alive, because most of the moms I’ve been talking to haven’t heard about this yet.
My post is up, as linked to by Izzy.
I have a post up. Thanks for doing this!
Here’s my link.
http://childisborn.blogspot.com/2007/09/fuck-off-facebook-and-bill-mah er.html
Thanks for alerting everyone to this.
I posted about this (but mostly about that knob Bill Maher:
http://tzt.blogspot.com/2007/09/bye-bye-bill-maher.html
Breastfeeding mothers unite! Engage breasts….babies begin suckage.
Here’s my post:
http://motherhoodinsanity.blogspot.com/2007/09/warning-breastfeeding-o bscene-use.html
Once again our great nation has gotten it bass ackwards. I wonder what exactly is so obscene about BFing to these groups, and do they NOT learn from previous competitors mistakes? Did facebook not see the huge backlash against Myspace? Do they think their user base is different? Or, is this just a publicity stunt of some sort?
I think I’m going to post this in my personal and professional photography blog. Half off session fees for nursing photos to be used in a nursing collage.
Ironic indeed!!!
I’m not sure how I missed this the first time around??? But I’m glad to see you bringing it to the forefront! And all the others as well.
On a related note, did you know even “liberal” men can be misogynistic assholes? Check out Feministing.com and their post on Bill Maher and his take on breastfeeding in Public. http://feministing.com/archives/007752.html#comments (scroll up) One of the highlights? “By the way, there is a place where breasts and food go together…It’s called Hooters.” Ugh. Makes me sick.
My initial reaction to the Harvard story was indignation, but then I read the whole thing.
The student in question is not being denied time to breastfeed. In fact they have already allowed her double the break time that all the other students receive and she is being allowed to take the test over two days instead of all at one time. This sounds to me more like someone who is trying to take advantage of the fact that she’s breastfeeding to get special consideration and that’s just as wrong as what Facebook is doing.
Yes, it’s true that she’s not being denied time to breastfeed. Her claim is that she’s being denied adequate time to breastfeed.
I would assume she needs extra time because in addition to pumping at certain intervals, she needs to eat, use the restroom etc. just like all the other students.
I used to use a pump with baby #1 and it was a Medela hospital grade pump and it still took me every bit of 40 minutes to get 4 oz from each breast (If I was lucky) so I totally understand.
But I think that the reason she’s taking the test over two days is due to having dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and not because of needing to pump.
I know I’m late to the party (as usual), but I have added my voice to the masses.
http://ourfreakparade.com/2007/09/21/nip/
Well, I’m adding my son’s voice, actually.
i too posted here:
http://touchingdookie.blogspot.com/2007/09/breastfeeding-new-dirty-wor d.html
So, let me get this straight…..starving yourself is good (according to FB), but babies EATING is bad??!! I saw the “offensive” picture and the women was covered more than most of the girls at the local high school!
Hey, the pingback arrived before I did. I posted on Resolving Timeline Issues.
This must be a sign of the apocalypse? I’ll post mine in a bit.
Yeah-the fact that his even has to be posted shows what a bunch of f*ckin morons there are in the world.
This whole anti-breastfeeding thing is 1) pissing me off 2) getting stupid. I mean how backwards can we be as a society? Apparently so backward we can see our asses.
Okay…err…anyway, wanted to let you know the Babble link seems to be broken.
After all that said, however, excellent posts people!!
The fact that breastfeeding is the best way to care for your new baby seems to have escaped the attention of the trolls who are calling for moms to not feed their children in public. Isn’t that child abuse? Arent’ you supposed to feed your baby when they’re hungry?
If you’re still rounding up, I posted some breastfeeding photos too:
http://soulgardening.typepad.com/soul_gardening/2007/09/milk-its-whats -.html
I posted too- I was going to write about the Harvard student, but didn’t have time so sent link to Alex- glad you found her post… here’s mine (just a short one)
http://selfmademom.net/2007/09/23/what-i-would-blog-about-if-i-was-blo gging/
Ya know, I never understood how an underage teen girl can get away with showing more breast at the mall THAN I CAN. At least when I breastfeed I have a purpose to show what little skin I do show!! Thank goodness people are starting to show common sense on this issue… let’s gang up and take the ignorant masses down!
Izzy this is just some kaaarayzee stuff. I’ve posted as well…
http://hilaritiesensue.com/blog2/2007/09/24/when-the-personal-is-polit ical/
I have been meaning to post on the Bill Maher thing. Did you see the post at Suburban Oblivion?
About the Harvard student–I am 100% for bfeeding right but I do think in this case the breaks already in place were more than adequate for pumping. The test takers are given generous breaks plus her test was already further divided up because of her learning disabilities…so she was only taking the test in four hour blocks, anyway.
I think that in situations like this the test administrators should be required to make adequate accommodations, which in this case were already in place, not create the ideal for every candidate.
I wrote something here:
http://mommyblogstoronto.typepad.com/daditorial/2007/09/whats-really-o f.html
It’s not about Facebook per se, but rather about a woman who was told breastfeeding was “offensive” at her local YMCA pool.
muk0vj great site thx http://peace.com
105PK6 hi nice site thx http://peace.com
great point
next spacewalk, thats what ill call mines.